Multi-Format Switcher Can Be Turned to 3D Switcher

New software for a new Panasonic Solutions Company output board transforms the company’s multi-format switcher into a live 3D stereoscopic switcher.

With the new software, Panasonic expands the AV-HS04M7D 3D SDI output board into a cost-effective 3D production tool. In addition, the popular AV-HS450N high definition/standard delimitation (HD/SD) multi-format switcher is turned into a live 3D stereoscopic switcher.

With the addition of an HD/SD switcher with 3D stereoscopic production capabilities to its growing line of professional 3D products, Panasonic now offers a multi-camera 3D acquisition/switching with effects/recording system for under $100,000. A typical system might consist of the HS450N switcher, two AG-3DA1 Full HD 3D camcorders, a BT-3DL2550 25 inch 3D LCD monitor, and the AJ-HPM200 P2 Mobile recorder/player, which can record 3D on a single P2 card.

Current HS450N users will be able to easily upgrade to 3D production by simply installing the new 3D board in their units and loading the included software via the switcher’s SD Card slot. An upgraded HS450N will operate in either 3D or 2D modes (supporting HD signals only in 3D) and will easily support up to eight pairs of inputs in 3D, making it ideal for multi-camera 3D shoots.

With the upgraded HS450N, simultaneous stereoscopic video transitions are enabled using cross point buttons. Cut, dissolve, wipe, and other effects become available as simultaneous transitions for use in sports recording, music videos, commercial production, event recording and other 3D projects.

Vertical/horizontal reversing and position correction are possible for all 16 channels of HD-SDI standard inputs. Steroscopic Chroma Key compositing can be smoothly accomplished on location in real time with the embedded Primatte Chroma Key software. The upgraded switcher provides selectable 3D output modes, including “left,” “right,” “mix,” “side-by-side,” and “line-by-line.” In addition the switcher can simulate 3D camera optical axis shift to facilitate fine adjustments.

The AV-HS04M7D 3D board and software will be available in February 2010, at a suggested list price of $5,900. The AV-HS450N is currently available at a suggested list price of $26,265. End user orders for the HS450N/M7D package placed between Jan. 1,, 2011 and Feb. 28,, 2011 may receive the M7D board at no cost.